Salaries at Pepperdine

Salary expectations at Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, California, are influenced by several factors including the role, academic rank, years of experience, and specific field of expertise. For academic positions, salaries often align with faculty rank—such as assistant, associate, or full professor—while administrative roles are determined by job scope and seniority. Pepperdine University does not publicly publish transparent salary bands or detailed compensation data for all positions. However, some information can be inferred from industry standards, regional averages for higher education in California, and occasional disclosures in public records for certain roles. Salaries are typically reviewed periodically to reflect market trends and institutional budgets.

• Assistant Professor: Typical salary range is $70,000–$85,000 USD per year, depending on the department and discipline. Entry-level roles may start lower, with potential increases based on teaching evaluations and research output.
• Associate Professor: Average salary range is $85,000–$110,000 USD annually. Mid-career faculty often see salary growth tied to tenure status and publication records.
• Full Professor: Salaries generally range from $110,000–$150,000+ USD per year. Seniority, leadership roles, and external research funding can significantly impact earnings at this level.
• Administrative Director: Compensation typically falls between $80,000–$120,000 USD annually, varying by department size and responsibilities. Bonuses or additional benefits may apply for senior administrative roles.
• Adjunct Faculty: Part-time roles often earn $3,000–$6,000 USD per course, with no guaranteed annual income. Pay depends on course load and availability.

Salaries at Pepperdine University are generally competitive within the private university sector in California, reflecting the institution's commitment to attracting qualified talent. However, compensation may not always match the highest-paying public universities or research-heavy institutions due to Pepperdine's focus on teaching and smaller endowment size. Salary progression for faculty often depends on achieving tenure or securing grants, while administrative staff may see growth through promotions or expanded roles. As a private institution, Pepperdine is not subject to the same public sector salary disclosure requirements as state universities, which limits access to comprehensive data. Prospective employees are encouraged to negotiate based on market benchmarks for similar roles in the region.